title: The ICF-CY-based structural equation model of factors associated with participation in children with autism.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to apply the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health - Child and Youth (ICF-CY) framework to identify the factors related to the participation of children with autism.
  
  
  METHODS
  A convenience sample included 162 preschool children with autism ages 36 to 72 months. The raters collected data using the ICF-CY-based questionnaire as an instrument to construct the structural equation modeling of factors associated with participation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The internal structure of the model was acceptable, indicating that the observed variables would suffice in accounting for latent variables. The structural model showed that the performance of participation in children with autism was influenced by body functions and personal factors. All the variables accounted for 77% of the explained variance for activities and for participation by 71% of the children with autism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings may provide critical information pertaining to predictive factors of participation for parents, educators, and professionals who work with children with autism.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Hungkuang University , Taichung , Taiwan .
authors.forename: Shu-Mei
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gan
authors.forename: Li-Chen
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.forename: Chyong-Hwa
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.forename: Hsiao-Yun
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Chun-Hou
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D064702:International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; D008297:Male; D011998:Recreation / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D058992:Social Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires